K-FLEX is presenting a new line of product for thermal and acoustic insulation, qualified for rolling stock market. The products are certified according to the new harmonized norm EN 45545 that defines a classification system specifying requirements for fire behavior of materials and products used in railways applications. Thermal insulation products achieve up to HL 3 Hazard Level classification and acoustic insulation halogen free mass K-FONIK GV achieves HL 3 Hazard Level. K-FLEX is able to provide a full range of configuration: pipes and sheets based on standard or halogen free formulation, with smooth or silver ALU cladding finishing. For further information and tech support have a look at the dedicated brochure or contact our Technical Department.

Heat flow which, in static conditions, crosses the surface of a homogenous material. Thermal conductivity is a measurement of the ability of a material to transmit heat. As shown in the diagram below, the lower the value λ of a material, the better the thermal insulation.

The ease of installation of our materials sets them apart from other products on the market. Due to its flexibility and elasticity, K-Flex elastomeric insulation is ideal for a variety of applications, such as: air conditioning ducts, pipes, elbows, valves, flanges, reservoirs, etc. Professionals will also appreciate its extreme cleanliness because it does not leave traces and residues during installation. Even restoration and maintenance work can be carried out with ease and can achieve a saving in installation time that is unique compared to other materials.

All our products are certified and supervised at major international laboratories which guarantee that they are self-extinguishing in case of fire. Years of experience and international presence have allowed us to surpass even the strictest standards: BS 476, DIN 4102, Euroclass, Italian Class 1, Spanish M1, French NF-FEU, American ASTM and these are just some of over 1500 certifications that our materials have achieved.

Many insulation materials are porous or fibrous. In these types of materials the presence of moisture and organic matter allow the growth of bacteria, mould and fungi. Our products are resistant to this and thus contribute to the quality of the air that we breathe. We do our best to ensure that our products do not emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to further protect air quality by changing the ingredients and production process and ensuring that the products are from certified suppliers. In the USA our products are certified GREENGUARD by the AQS (Air Quality Science) Laboratories. This prestigious qualification in the “GREENGUARD for Children & Schools” programme ensures that the product does not emit toxic substances. In Europe there is a similar certification from the German institute EPA which has approved our product as completely harmless with regard to the emission of airborne substances. Elastomeric insulation is not made of fibrous material, and does not release harmful particles into the air. This,therefore, is regarded as an ideal product for use in public places such as schools and hospitals. It is also used in clean rooms: for the production of microchips where the minimum of dust and the absence of pollutants are a necessity for efficient production processes.

Our materials are resistant to water vapour diffusion. The higher the resistance to the penetration of water vapour, (denoted by Mu (μ)), the greater the consistency of performance over a period of time. This benefit is significant when insulating cold items, where insulation thicknesses are chosen so as to achieve a surface temperature above the ambient dewpoint. Ambient humidity will try to breach the insulation in order to achieve equilibrium conditions. Because the thermal conductivity of water is 0,58 W / (mK), and therefore about 16 times higher than our insulation, any absorption of water vapour could reduce the insulation efficiency. The formation of condensation on the surface of tubing and ducting is the main cause of corrosion beneath insulation which quickly leads to damage of pipes and ducts.

Thermal insulating closed cell products have many advantages over the traditional open cell and products made of wool or fibreglass:

- They have a better thermal conductivity, because the air inside the closed cells has a lower mobility than that produced in open cells therefore the convective component of heat exchange is considerably lower.

- Vapour diffusion into the insulation is much lower, thus the thermal conductivity will be guaranteed for longer, even without using protective coatings.

- The mechanical properties are better.

- They promote a natural inhibition of bacterial growth, because bacteria cannot spread within the structure.